Ask Reddit: Could someone explain the "science" of fitness and weight-loss?

Reading over the articles, posts and comments in this subreddit, there seems to be an overwhelming knowledge base here on what various aspects of nutrition and exercise do for the body. Could someone explain to me and others exactly what all these things are?

Edit again: Carbohydrates are divided into 4 - Mono , di , oligo and poly sacchrides. Mono and di are sugars, so mostly avoid it. I think these are the bad carbs. Rest are good , but have them in moderation.

If by cutting weight you mean losing weight, check the first link ( fitit guide).

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are good. The former increases LDL cholesterol (good) and decreases HDL cholesterol (bad). The latter helps control blood pressure, clotting, and immune system responses.

Don't know too much about fatty acids other than omega-3 and omega-6 are awesome.

Cutting weight is healthy when you're placing yourself in a caloric deficit that allows you to lose weight at a pace of 1-2 lbs a week without compromising diet. A combination of exercise and proper nutrition is excellent for this.

Edit: Why the downvotes? I never said fat was unhealthy. Saturated fat isn't bad either, but it should be limited compared to polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Researchers pooled data from 21 studies that included a total of nearly 348,000 adults who were surveyed anywhere from five to 23 years. Over that time they found no difference in the risks of heart disease and stroke between people with the lowest and highest intakes of saturated fat.

Re-read what I wrote and re-read the article because you're leaving out some quotes:

Research has shown that saturated fat can raise blood levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol, and elevated LDL is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Because of this, experts generally advise people to limit their intake of fatty meat, butter and full-fat dairy.

But, he pointed out, many studies have shown that dietary saturated fat can raise people's cholesterol, and the new analysis is not going to change recommendations to keep saturated fat intake in check.

On the other hand, diets described as Mediterranean or "prudent" — generally high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, unsaturated fats from vegetable oil — may help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

In addition, the study could not address whether saturated fat intake has different effects on heart disease and stroke risk for different age groups. Nor could it look at the effects of replacing saturated fat in the diet with polyunsaturated fats — like those found in vegetable oils and fish — or with carbohydrates.

Some other studies, the researchers write, have shown that consuming polyunsaturated fats in place of saturated ones may lower heart disease risk.

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